Debt relief order...

[Mypubesarestraight]

I have been advised to get a dro and I'm bricking it.

It's mainly due to a tax credit overpayment and other smaller debts. Dp lost his job and we're literally in the shit.

Tax credits are taking £55 per week out of my award. I simply cannot afford this. I have appealed but I have been turned down.

Has anyone else done this? What happens after the 12 months?

Anyone?

Who advised you to get the DRO? If it is through a CAB or one of the free advice agencies then it is probably the best option for you if you meet all the requirements.

I haven't had a DRO but I had a tax credits overpayment included in my bankruptcy. I simply included them on my list of creditors and they never contacted me about it again. I get tax credits now and the overpayment doesn't affect anything, it was just written off.

I found my bankruptcy fairly straightforward to deal with and it has not been too damaging to my daily finances (still have a bank account, credit card, online banking). So I'd guess with a DRO you can also minimise the impact. What are you worried about in particular?

It was the national debt help line.

I'm worried about my dps credit rating being screwed for 6 years.
Mines awful but his is pretty good

We are applying for one too, from what I gather the DRO will stay on record but there are things you can do throughout to improve your credit rating. spending tiny amounts on a credit card and pay it off on time etc

Good luck :)

National debtline have a good reputation so I would follow their advice.

The DRO and defaults will be on his credit file for six years, but as MishMoosh says, it can be rebuilt over time. I got a credit card within a few months of my bankruptcy discharge which I'm using sensibly to rebuild my credit rating. I think I probably won't get mainstream finance for another five years though, but I can't see that I'd need it as I budget well and don't foresee any reason for a loan. I've known people who have managed to get mortgages after bankruptcy (through a broker and after six years).